Barbara Woodward writes a fun set of fictional tales for children that are predominantly focused on kindness to animals and other people, with themes of rescue and looking out for those less fortunate. A Curious Place is an imaginative book that left me smiling and contented. The book includes four children’s mini-stories, for ages eight and upwards.

The four tales are Tosca's Surprise, The Secret Visitor, The Mysterious Lady and and Star's Magic Spell. My favourite was The Secret Visitor as I enjoyed viewing life through the eyes of Tessy, the cat. Set all over the world from Mexico to Australia, each one has a light touch and warm ending. I would certainly buy A Curious Place for the younger members of friends and family.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

This is another experimental book that I had on my list for far too long and I should have gotten to sooner, especially since it was a morsel of a book for an adult. This is a fun set of fiction for children with the predominant focus being on kindness to animals and other people. It has four stories

Is of a little girl who adventurously decides to rescue an animal
Is of an old lady facing eviction from her life which she is fond of
Is of siblings floundering before being magically saved
Is of a boy, lost in his anger over his deformity.
All four stories are short but descriptive and have a very encouraging message overall. They are lightly written and do not have any complications that could confuse them. 

I guessed the turn of events for a few things but since I am not the target audience, it does not matter much. It might even be helpful for children to figure out the pattern of stories. 

I would definitely recommend this book to be either read to or read by kids and maybe even slightly older people.

I received an advance copy thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but this review is purely based on my own reading experience.

Loved loved loved it. Got behind the storyline fully really pulled me in. Both myself and my daughter could not put this down, as most people say ‘a real page turner’

This is a unique little book that made me smile and feel good All over. The book includes four sweet children’s tales, just perfect for ages eight and upwards. Consider me the upwards as a senior. Yes, I am considerably older and I adored this book. The tales involve a theme of rescue and looking out for those less fortunate.

Tale one concerns kindness and compassion in the face of cruelty and neglect.

Second tale is a sweet tale of an elderly lady and a cat. You will enjoy viewing life through the eyes of the cat.

Take three is a precious tale about a rescue and a love that travels through time. The characters will make you smile.

Last tale focuses on the good in life. In life we should focus on what we can do rather than stress about what we can’t. The As a gramma with a seven year old grandson, I loved the grandmother- grandson relationship.

Thank you Netgally for the opportunity to read and review this sweet and engaging book.

A Curious Place by Barbara Woodward is a delightful book of four sweet children’s tales, just perfect for ages eight and upwards. I am considerably older and I loved this book. The tales are united in their themes of rescue and looking out for those less fortunate. Each tale is headed up with a delightful illustration which gets the imagination working. The tales have a real feel-good factor and will leave you smiling.
Tosca’s Surprise is a sweet tale about kindness and compassion in the face of cruelty and neglect. The reader’s heart breaks for the sight of a caged bear whose spirit is broken. It is a tale of new beginnings and bonds. It will restore your faith in humanity.
The Secret Visitor is a delightful tale about a rescue and the chance of a new home. Circumstances throw an old lady and a cat together. I loved seeing life through the eyes of the cat.
The Mysterious Lady is a positively charming tale about a rescue and a love that travels through time. The characters were warm and welcoming. You may just begin to believe in fairy tales, no matter how old you are.
Star’s Magic Spell focuses on the positive. We need to do what we can and not worry about what we can’t. If we take the focus off ourselves and project it on to others, life becomes easier in our spirit. I loved the grandmother- grandson relationship.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

A very interesting story that was not able to sustain my attention for the totality of the narrative. An admirable attempt.

#ACuriousPlace #NetGalley

Wonderfully unique set of stories that capture the imagination of children. The stories have children who make decisions, make mistakes, find help, and strengthen relationships with their families and their animals.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

A lovely collection of stories, with some great meaning behind them! Would definitely buy for younger relatives. Thank you for the ARC #netgalley

This book starts with a dedication to the children and animals of the world who can teach grown up-kids about love and I could not love that anymore. Each of the four stories shows the relationship of children with animals and the bond they share. Each story was heartwarming and so adorable. Kids and grown ups alike can learn a thing or two from the lessons in this book.

What a wonderful and sweet collection of 4 different stories. Although listed as for children, and I am definitely not a child, I really enjoyed the freshness and appeal of these stories. Set all over, from Mexico to Australia, each one has a light touch and warm ending, and one I highly enjoyed. Hard to put down, and one I highly recommend.